Vermont Business Magazine As VEC welcomed mutual aid crews from New Jersey and Pennsylvania to help with power restoration efforts, the co-op urged members who still do not have power to be prepared to be without electricity possibly into the weekend.Today, crews from Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative in New Jersey and Northwestern Rural Electric Co-op in Pennsylvania arrived in Vermont to assist with restoration efforts.
“As VEC crews, along with line workers who have come to help, work hard to restore power, the safety of our members who remain without electricity is a primary concern,” said VEC Chief Operating Officer Peter Rossi. He urged people who are vulnerable and without power to call 2-1-1 or 866-866-652-4636 to ask about warming or overnight shelters. “Also, if you are in a position to do so, please check on your neighbors, the elderly and anyone else who might need help, to be sure they are okay,” he added.
VEC urges members who are without power to stay safe and keep the following in mind:
- Check the VEC outage page atwww.vermontelectric.coopfor estimated restoration times, or sign up for SmartHub to stay up-to-date.
- If you have a need for shelter, call 2-1-1 or toll-free 1-866-652-4636. (Note: The Eden Elementary School on Knowles Flat Road will open a warming shelter from 6-10 pm this evening and there is an overnight shelter at theBarre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre.)
- If you encounter a downed power line stay clear of the line and promptly call VEC at 800-832-2667.
- If you run a generator, do so safely, always operating it outdoors. Never run a generator in a barn, shed or garage.
About Vermont Electric Cooperative
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), established in 1938, is a non-profit, member-owned electric distribution utility that provides safe, affordable, and reliable electric service to approximately 32,000 members in 75 communities in northern Vermont. Nationally recognized for innovative and advanced use of technology, VEC is the largest locally-owned electric distribution utility in Vermont.
Source:Johnson, VT – As VEC 11.29.2018 www.vermontelectric.coop